**Rain Delay Drama: Nationals Grounds Crew Member’s Close Call**
**Meta Description:** A Washington Nationals grounds crew member narrowly escapes injury during a rain delay, as the game against the Mets takes an unexpected turn.
**URL Slug:** nationals-grounds-crew-rain-delay
**Headline:** Close Call for Nationals Grounds Crew During Rain Delay at Nationals Park
During a recent game at Nationals Park, a member of the Washington Nationals grounds crew experienced a near-miss during a rain delay that occurred in the first inning of a scoreless matchup against the New York Mets. The game, which had already started later than scheduled due to inclement weather, was halted shortly after it began as rain began to fall.
As the crew was instructed to roll out the tarp, one crew member lost his balance and was propelled forward over the tarp being deployed on the infield. In a moment of chaos, fellow crew members continued to roll out the tarp, inadvertently rolling it over the man’s back. Fortunately, he escaped what could have been a serious injury.
The rain delay lasted less than an hour, and when play resumed, Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez hit a two-run homer in the second inning, giving New York a 2-0 lead, which they maintained into the eighth inning.
This game also marked a significant moment for former Nationals star Juan Soto, who was playing his first series at Nationals Park as a member of the Mets. Soto, who spent the first 4½ seasons of his MLB career with the Nationals before being traded to the San Diego Padres in August 2022, made headlines in the offseason by signing a record-breaking 15-year contract worth $765 million with the Mets.
As the Nationals entered the game in fourth place in the NL East, the Mets were sitting atop the division, adding an extra layer of intensity to this matchup.
**Conclusion:** The rain delay incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball, where even the grounds crew can find themselves in precarious situations. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Soto and the Mets as they aim to maintain their lead in the division.
**FAQ:**
**What happened during the rain delay at the Nationals game?**
A grounds crew member lost his balance while rolling out the tarp during a rain delay, narrowly avoiding injury as the tarp was rolled over him.